Wireless drink container for monitoring hydration

ABSTRACT

A wireless drink container can monitor a person&#39;s hydration and prompt him or her to drink more if appropriate. The drink containers as described herein can monitor liquid levels and communicate with external devices about the liquid levels and rate of consumption. One or more sensors in the drink container monitor the liquid level within the container. A processor coupled to the sensor(s) estimates how much liquid has been removed from the container from changes in the liquid level and transmits a signal representing the change in liquid level to a smartphone or other external device. It also triggers an audio or visual indicator, such as an LED, that prompts the user to drink more based on the user&#39;s estimated liquid consumption and on the user&#39;s liquid consumption goals, which may be based on the user&#39;s physiology, activity level, and location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a bypass continuation of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2016/021482, filed Mar. 9, 2016, and titled “Wireless DrinkContainer for Monitoring Hydration,” which in turn claims the prioritybenefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Application No. 62/210,723,filed Aug. 27, 2015, and titled “Wireless Drink Container for MonitoringHydration,” and from U.S. Application No. 62/130,324, filed Mar. 9,2015, and titled “Wireless Drink Container for Monitoring Hydration,”the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness bracelets are some ofthe new examples of connected devices that can monitor the wearer'sphysical activities during the day or while asleep. These are developedto personify or individualize help by specifically tailoring for thewearer (or user) by tracking the wearer's health and well-being. Inanother word, these modern devices enable individualized monitoring,which can be further augmented or supported by tethering to an externalportable computing device for various ancillary computation and/orcommunication capabilities.

While these smart devices can track the wearer's physical activities tobetter inform the wearer of his or her activity levels, there are stillnot many devices that can inform the wearer on other important aspects,for example, nutrition intake or hydration levels. Proper hydration isessential, but some studies show that over 90% of people have poor waterconsumption habits and fewer than 5% regularly consume enough water.Encouraging proper hydration can improve health and quality of life.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to portable drink containersthat monitor liquid levels and communicate with software applications onexternal devices about the liquid levels and rate of liquid consumption.One embodiment of this technology is a container assembly that includesa container defining a cavity, a liquid level sensor disposed in thecavity, a processor operably coupled to the liquid level sensor, and avisual indicator operably coupled to the processor and disposed withinthe cavity. The cavity holds a liquid, and the liquid level sensormeasures a level of the liquid in the cavity. The processor polls theliquid level sensor for a measurement of the level of the liquid in thecavity and estimates a change in the level of the liquid in the cavitybased on the measurement of the level of the liquid in the cavity. Andthe visual indicator provide a visual indication prompting a user todrink from the container.

Examples of the container assembly may also include an accelerometerthat is mechanically coupled to the container and operably coupled tothe processor. The accelerometer intermittently measures an accelerationof the container. The processor may poll the accelerometerintermittently and poll the liquid level sensor if data from theaccelerometer indicates that the container is vertically oriented. Theprocessor may also estimate the change in the level of the liquid in thecavity based on data from the accelerometer.

The container assembly may also include an antenna that is operablycoupled to the processor. In operation, the antenna transmits anindication of the change in the level of the liquid in the cavity to awireless device, such as a cell phone. The processor may be configuredto cause the visual indicator to provide the visual indication inresponse to a command received from the wireless device via the antenna.This command may be based at least in part on a time since the visualindicator provided the a last or most recent visual indication. Theantenna may receive an indication of a target change in the level of theliquid in the cavity from the wireless device. And the processor maycompare the change in the level of the liquid in the cavity to thetarget change in the level of the liquid in the cavity and cause thevisual indicator to provide the visual indication if the change in thelevel of the liquid in the cavity is less than the target change in thelevel of the liquid in the cavity. This target change in the level ofthe liquid in the cavity can be based on an age of a user, a height ofthe user, a weight of the user, an activity level of the user, alocation of the user, an ambient temperature, and/or an ambienthumidity.

The visual indicator may include one or more light-emitting diodes(LEDs) disposed along a substrate extending into the cavity. The LEDsmay provide the visual indication by emitting light on a periodic basis.

The container assembly can include a cap and a cap sensor operablycoupled to the processor. The cap keeps the liquid within the cavity,and the cap sensor senses if the cap is coupled to the container. Theprocessor polls the liquid level sensor if the cap sensor indicates thatthe cap is coupled to the container.

Another embodiment of the present technology includes a method oftracking consumption, by a user, of a liquid disposed within acontainer. This method comprises measuring, with an accelerometermechanically coupled to the container, an acceleration of the container.A processor operably coupled to the accelerometer estimates anorientation of the container based on the acceleration of the containerand determines if the orientation is within a predefined range oforientations (e.g., if the container is approximately verticallyoriented). If the orientation is with the predefined range oforientations, a liquid level sensor operably coupled to the processormeasures a level of the liquid in the container. The processor estimatesa change in the level of the liquid in the cavity based on the level ofthe liquid in the cavity measured by the liquid level sensor and,optionally, the orientation of the container. These steps may berepeated, e.g., at periodic intervals, predetermined intervals, oncommand, etc.

The method may also include sensing, with a cap sensor operably coupledto the processor, if a cap is coupled to the container. The liquid levelsensor may measure the level of the liquid (only) if the cap sensorindicates that the cap is coupled to the container.

The method may further include transmitting, via an antenna operablycoupled to the processor, an indication of the change in the level ofthe liquid in the container to a wireless device. The antenna may alsoreceive an indication of a target change in the level of the liquid fromthe wireless device. This target change in the level of the liquid inthe cavity can be based on an age of a user, a height of the user, aweight of the user, an activity level of the user, a location of theuser, an ambient temperature, and/or an ambient humidity. In thesecases, the processor may compare the change in the level of the liquidin the cavity to the target change in the level of the liquid.

If the change in the level of the liquid is less than the target changein the level of the liquid, the processor may cause a light sourcedisposed in or on the container to provide a visual indication to theuser.

The processor may also cause the light source to emit light in order toprompt the user to drink the liquid in the container. The light sourcemay emit the light at periodic intervals (e.g., every two hours). Thelight source may also emit light in response to a command from awireless device. This command may be based on (1) a comparison of thechange in the liquid level to a target change in the level of the liquidand/or (2) a time since the last time the light source emitted light.

Additional embodiments of the present technology include a containerassembly that comprises a translucent container, a substrate, a liquidlevel sensor disposed on the substrate, an accelerometer mechanicallycoupled to the translucent container, a processor operably coupled tothe accelerometer and the liquid level sensor, an antenna operablycoupled to the processor, and a light source disposed on the substrateand operably coupled to the processor. The translucent container holds aliquid. The substrate extends at least partway into the liquid. Theliquid level sensor measures a level of the liquid. The accelerometermeasures an acceleration of the translucent container. The processorperiodically determines an orientation of the translucent containerbased on acceleration measured by the accelerometer. The processor alsoperiodically determines a change in the level of the liquid in thecavity based on the level of the liquid measured by the liquid levelsensor and the orientation of the translucent container. The antennatransmits the change in the level of the liquid to a wireless device.And the light source emits light at periodic intervals and/or inresponse to a command received from the wireless device via the antenna.This command may be based on (i) a comparison of the change in the levelof the liquid and a desired change in the level of the liquid and (ii) atime since a last emission of light from the light source.

In another example, a portable drink container features an electronicsystem that transmits data regarding the change of the liquid quantitywithin the container to an external device, such as a smartphone ortablet. A sensor in the container monitors the level of liquid withinthe container and compares relative changes in the liquid level toestimate how much liquid has been removed from the container. In anotherembodiment, when a user drinks from the container, a flow sensor in thecontainer's lid tracks the volume of fluid exiting the container andtransmits a signal representing the fluid flow to an external device. Inboth cases, relevant information from the drink container is transmittedas data to an external software application which calculates liquidconsumption goals based on the user's physiology, activity level, andlocation.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, apparatus and systems formonitoring a person's fluid intake are presented. For example, a fluidcontainer assembly capable of communicating with an external server isdisclosed. In some embodiments, the fluid container assembly isconfigured to monitor and/or assess features related to fluids containedin the container so as to determine the fluid intake of the user of thecontainer assembly. Examples of such features include amount of thefluid (e.g., absolute amount and/or changes in the fluid level), type offluid, temperature, pH level, contents (e.g., constituent elements ofthe fluid), contaminants, and/or the like. The container assembly maycomprise components capable of gathering data on such features. Forexample, the container assembly may contain sensors such as an electrodelevel sensor, a float sensor, etc., for determining the fluid level inthe container. As another example, the container assembly may containone or more sensors, such as a liquid content sensor, a temperaturesensor, a clock, a pH sensor, etc., for determining the type and/orproperties of the fluid in the container. In some embodiments, thecontainer assembly may comprise a positional detector for measuring thecontainer assembly's position and/or orientation, examples of whichinclude a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and combination thereof. Forexample, an accelerometer can be used to measure the orientation (e.g.,tilt) of the container assembly. The data gathered from the variouscomponents of the container assembly (e.g., electrode level sensor,float sensor, liquid content sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor,clocks, position detector, etc.) can in turn be used to determine thefluid level in the container.

In some embodiments, the container assembly may comprise the processingcapability to evaluate the gathered data to estimate or determine theuser's fluid intake. In some embodiments, the container assembly maycomprise a processor onboard for processing the gathered data. Forexample, based on the changes in the level of fluid in the fluidcontainer, the processor may determine the amount of fluid consumed bythe user. In some embodiments, the container assembly may comprise acommunications component (e.g., transceiver) for communicating withexternal servers. For example, the communications component may transmitthe gathered data to an external server that performs some or all of theevaluation to determine the user's fluid intake. In some embodiments,the communications component may be capable of receiving signals fromexternal servers. For example, the communications component may receivethe results of the evaluation of the transmitted data, and/or it mayreceive signals comprising server-initiated instructions based on thedetermination of the user's fluid intake (e.g., instructions commandingthe processor to send a notification to the user to consume additionalamount of fluid).

A user interface included in the container assembly can be configured topresent information by displaying and/or broadcasting notifications fromthe onboard processor and/or an external server. The notifications canbe in the form of texts, visual (e.g., lights from light emitting diode(LED) light sources, etc.), video, audio, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the user interface may also be configured to receive a userinput in any of the aforementioned forms and/or via one or more buttons,touch screens, etc.

In some embodiments, the fluid container assembly may include acontainer that defines a cavity or capsule for receiving fluids, and alid (removable or otherwise) for covering an opening of the cavity ofthe container. In some embodiments, the container may be designed to be“insulated glazed,” i.e., two or more container walls may be separatedby a vacuum or a medium capable of providing desired insulation.Further, the container may be constructed to handle a wide array ofadverse conditions, including extreme heat or cold, pressure, contactwith hostile environments, and the like. The outer surface of thecontainer may be textured, coated, etc., to provide a more secure grip.In some embodiments, the container and the lid may be affixed by anynumber of fastening methods, including threading, screws, nuts andbolts, glue, snap-fittings, welding or the like.

In some embodiments, the lid may provide housing for some or allelectronics components of the fluid container assembly. For example, thelid may contain partially or completely one or more of the sensors,processor, user interface and/or display, communications component,memory for storing data, power source, and/or the like. In someembodiments, any of these electronic elements may be housed in otherparts of the fluid container assembly, such as but not limited to thebase container, a handle, an attachment, etc.

In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors may comprise sensorsconfigured to monitor the state of the fluid container assembly and/orthe liquid contained within the container. For example, one of thesensors may be a fluid level sensor configured to determine the level offluid at the moment of measurement. A transceiver coupled to thesensor(s) may transmit data to a smartphone, server, or otherprocessor-device for analysis.

In some embodiments, the processor and/or an external server may comparea measured level of fluid to a baseline level to calculate the change inthe amount of fluid so as to deduce the fluid intake by the user of thefluid container assembly. The baseline level can be an initialmeasurement of fluid level taken by the fluid level sensor, and/or anamount entered into the user interface (for example, by the user) and/orthe server indicating the fluid level prior to the start of fluidcontainer assembly use by the user. In some embodiments, the fluid levelsensor may perform successive measurements over time to deduce theamount and/or rate of change of the fluid level in the container. Basedon such measurements, the amount and/or rate of fluid intake of the usermay be determined. For example, the user's fluid intake may besubstantially the same as the change in the fluid level of thecontainer, or the fluid intake may not necessarily be substantially thesame but related to the change in the fluid level (e.g., the fluidintake may be offset by a certain amount from the change in the fluidlevel due to spillage, errors in sensor calibration, measurements,etc.).

In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor may take the form of acapacitive structure connected to the lid and extending substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the lid. The capacitive structurecomprises at least two electrodes shaped and sized so that thecapacitive structure can fit within the cavity of the base container.Consequently, when the lid is mounted on the fluid container assembly,the capacitive structure may extend at least a substantial portion ofthe length of the fluid container assembly within the cavity of the basecontainer. For example, the connection of the capacitive structure tothe lid may be configured so as to allow the capacitive structure to runsubstantially parallel to the length of the base container along anyaxis (e.g., through the centroid of the base container) when the lid ismounted on the base container. In some embodiments, the capacitivestructure may be shielded from the fluid contained within the basecontainer by liquid impermeable barrier or coating made from materialssuch as plastic, polymer, etc.

In some embodiments, the capacitive structure may comprise a parallelplate capacitor, i.e., substantially parallel electrodes spaced apartsome distance from each other. In some instances, the capacitor maycomprise more than two plates. In some embodiments, the capacitivestructure may comprise a plurality of capacitors spaced apart along thelength of at least a pair of electrodes. In any case, the capacitance asmeasured by a capacitive structure inserted inside a cavity containing afluid may change as the fluid level varies within the base container.For example, as a user of the fluid container assembly consumes thefluid inside the base container, the level of the fluid changes,changing the capacitance(s) measured by the capacitive structure. Forinstance, as the fluid level changes from a baseline level (e.g., fullfluid level) to less than full (e.g., half), the capacitance may alsochange, and from the change in the capacitance, a processing unit suchas a processor onboard the fluid container assembly or in an externaldevice, such as a smartphone or server, may deduce the change in thefluid level. This change is taken to represent roughly the amount offluid consumed by the user of the fluid container assembly.

In some embodiments, the capacitance measurement may be taken regularly(e.g., periodically, continuously, etc.), allowing the processing unitto also determine the rate of change of the fluid level, i.e., roughlyrate of fluid intake by the user from the fluid container assembly. Insuch embodiments, time measurements from the clock contained in thefluid container assembly may be used to determine the rate of fluidlevel change within the container. Further, measurements from othersensors may be used in adjusting the determined fluid level changeand/or rate of change. For example, the processing unit may incorporateand adjust for orientation measurements (e.g., tilt of the container)from the accelerometer in determining fluid levels.

In some embodiments, the fluid level sensor can take the form of amarker rod and float structure wherein the rod may be connected to thelid and extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lid. Therod may be shaped and sized so as to fit within the cavity of the basecontainer, i.e., when the lid is mounted on the fluid containerassembly, the marker rod may extend at least a substantial portion ofthe length of the fluid container assembly within the cavity of the basecontainer. For example, the connection of the marker rod to the lid maybe configured so as to allow the marker rod to run substantiallyparallel to the length of the base container along any axis (e.g.,through the centroid of the base container) when the lid is mounted onthe base container. In some embodiments, the marker rod may be shieldedfrom the fluid contained within the base container by liquid impermeablebarrier or coating made from materials such as plastic, polymer, etc.

In some embodiments, the marker rod and float structure may beconfigured to establish the location of the float within the basecontainer. For example, the marker rod and float structure may comprisea proximity sensor wherein the marker rod monitors the location of thefloat as the fluid level changes, thereby changing the location of thefloat. Examples of such proximity sensors include optical sensors,magnetic sensors, capacitive sensors, sonar sensors (e.g., ultrasonicsensors, etc.), electromagnetic sensors including infrared (IR) sensors,radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor, etc., inductive sensors,Hall Effect sensors, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the marker rod may comprise a Hall Effect sensorwhile the float comprises a magnetic element. When the fluid levelvaries within the base container, the relative location of the floatwith respect to the marker rod may also change. The magnetic fieldemitted by the float and received by the Hall Effect sensor changes aswell, allowing the Hall Effect sensor to track the motion and/orlocation of the float. In some embodiments, the float location can becorrelated with fluid level, and changes in the float location andmotion of the float can be used to determine a user's fluid intakeamount and/or rate.

For example, as a user of the fluid container assembly consumes thefluid inside the base container, the level of the fluid changes,changing the location of the float registered at the marker rod. In someembodiments, the marker rod may comprise a plurality of Hall Effectsensors spaced apart along the length of the marker rod. As the fluidlevel changes from a baseline level (e.g., full fluid level) to lessthan full (e.g., half full), the location of the float changes,triggering one or more of the Hall Effect sensors along the marker rodthat are in the vicinity of the float. Accordingly, the location of thefloat within the base container as detected by Hall Effect sensors onthe marker rod may be processed by a processing unit such as a processoronboard the fluid container assembly and/or an external server to deducethe change in the fluid level, i.e., roughly the amount of fluidconsumed by the user of the fluid container assembly.

The rate of change of fluid level (e.g., rate of fluid consumption) mayalso be determined by the processing unit by utilizing temporalmeasurements by clocks in the fluid container assembly, etc. Forexample, if more than one Hall Effect sensor registers the position ofthe float, a weighted average of the measurements may be selected as thelocation of the float. Further, measurements from other sensors may beused in adjusting the determined fluid level change and/or rate ofchange. For example, the processing unit may incorporate and adjust fororientation measurements (e.g., tilt of the container) from theaccelerometer in determining the location of the float, andcorrespondingly, fluid levels.

In some embodiments, the float may comprise a Hall Effect sensor and themarker rod may comprise a plurality of spaced magnetic elements alongthe rod. Similar to the preceding description, a change in the fluidlevel may change the location of the float with respect to the rod, andone or more magnetic elements on the rod and in the vicinity of thefloat may trigger the Hall Effect sensor when the float is proximate tothe magnetic elements. Using a baseline triggering event (e.g., firsttrigger corresponds to full fluid level), in some embodiments, changesin fluid level may be determined from Hall Effect sensor triggers thatensue as the fluid level changes and the float's location varies(without refilling of the container).

Similar to the example above with respect to Hall effect proximitysensors, in some embodiments, the aforementioned proximity sensors maycomprise an emitter and a receiver type structure for identifying thelocation of the float within the base container, and thereby allow fordetermining changes in the fluid level in the base container. Forexample, the float may comprise electromagnetic sensors that emit orreceive electromagnetic (EM) signals (e.g., IR, RF, microwave, etc.),and correspondingly, the marker rod may comprise sensors thatrespectively receive or emit the EM signals. As another example, thefloat may comprise optical or sonar sensors that emit to or receive fromthe marker rod characteristic waves (e.g., light for optical and soundfor sonar, etc.) that allow the identification and/or tracking of thefloat's location within the base container, thereby facilitating thedetermination of fluid level change (in some embodiments, including therate of change as well) inside the base container.

In some embodiments, drawing accurate conclusion regarding fluidconsumption of a user from a determined change in fluid levels of thecontainer may depend on whether the lid is mounted on the container. Forexample, the user may consume the fluid in the container through a spouton the lid when the lid is securely mounted onto the base container. Assuch, any fluid level measurements taken when the lid is not detected tobe mounted on the base container may be discounted in calculating theuser's fluid consumption.

To that effect, proximity sensors may be installed on the container andthe fluid level sensor that detect the mounting, or lack thereof, of thelid onto the container. Similar to the operation of the proximitysensors with respect to the aforementioned marker rod and floatstructure of the fluid level sensor, in some embodiments, the proximitysensors may comprise an emitter and a receiver, with one of the emitterand the receiver located on the sensor and the other located on thebase. For example, the proximity sensor may be a Hall effect proximitysensor, and the magnetic element may be located at the distal end of thefluid level sensor while the Hall effect sensor may be located on thecontainer. Accordingly, when the lid is removed from the base container,the magnetic element may be beyond the range of the Hall effectproximity sensor, and the lack of indication from the sensor that themagnetic element is in the vicinity of the sensor may indicate to aprocessing unit that the fluid level measurements should not be used incalculating a user's fluid consumption. In some embodiments, theproximity sensor may register the presence of the emitter; however,based on a threshold of signal strength, the proximity sensor and/or theprocessing unit may determine that the lid is not adequately coupled tothe base container, and as such the fluid level measurements should notbe used in calculating a user's fluid consumption.

Other examples of proximity sensors comprise emitters and receivers ofIR, RFID, ultrasonic signals, etc. In such embodiments, the lack ofdetection of the signals or the detection of signals below a thresholdsignal strength may be interpreted to indicate that the fluid containerassembly is not mounted at least adequately on the base container andthat measurements of fluid level should not be used in determining auser's fluid consumption.

In some embodiments, the fluid container assembly comprises a fluid flowsensing system for detecting the flow of fluid out of the container anddetermining its rate of flow. For example, the lid of the fluidcontainer assembly may comprise a flow rate sensor that measures therate of flow of fluid out of a spout located on the lid and transmitsuch measurement to a processing unit such as a processor onboard thefluid container assembly and/or an external server. For example, animpeller located in the lid and configured to rotate as fluid flows outof the spout may be used to measure the fluid flow rate, as the rotationspeed of the impeller can be correlated with the fluid flow rate. Insome embodiments, the correlation may be performed at the processingunit.

Other examples of fluid flow sensors or meters include fluidvelocimeters that measure the speed of the fluid flowing through thespout, ultrasonic flow meters, infrared flow sensors, etc.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theinventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of theinventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated orenlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of differentfeatures. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer tolike features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similarelements).

FIGS. 1A-1C show different views of a smart water bottle.

FIGS. 1D and 1E show cutaway views of the smart water bottle lid shownin FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the assembly of the electronic systemand cap of a liquid level sensor.

FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of a battery assembly coupled to theelectronic system and cap shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a capacitive liquid level sensor suitable for use with thesmart water bottle shown in FIG. 1A and the cap shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 shows a Hall Effect liquid level sensor suitable for use with thecontainer shown in FIG. 1A and the cap shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a liquid flow-rate sensor cap assemblysuitable for use with the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the liquid flow-rate sensor cap assembly ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the liquid flow-rate sensor of FIGS. 5Aand 5B.

FIG. 6 shows an ultrasonic liquid level sensor suitable for use with thecontainer shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 shows an infrared liquid level sensor suitable for use with thecontainer shown in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate how one or more visual indicators (e.g., LEDs)can be used to create various “glowing” effects that may prompt the userto drink more.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating components of the smart waterbottle and interconnections between the smart water bottle and aportable computing device, which is further connected to a largernetwork.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing systemsuitable for tracking fluid consumption from the container of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a software interface on the portable computingdevice that interfaces with a smart water bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that thepresently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscurethe presently disclosed subject matter.

Various user interfaces and embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference tovarious embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attachedhereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification arenot intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the manypossible embodiments for the appended claims. It is understood thatvarious omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended tocover application or embodiments without departing from the spirit orscope of the claims attached hereto. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present disclosure describes embodiments of a wireless drinkcontainer, also called a smart water bottle, for monitoring hydration.In an embodiment, the smart water bottle includes a liquid containerwith a sensor that tracks the liquid quantities within the liquidcontainer. The smart water bottle can also include a wirelesstransceiver, such as a Bluetooth transceiver, that transmits liquidlevel data from the liquid container to an external computing device,such as a smartphone. In some cases, the smart water bottle alsoincludes a light, speaker, or other component that prompts the user todrink in response to instructions from the external computing device.Compared to existing smart water bottles and software applications formonitoring hydration, some of which require manual tracking andinputting of liquid intake, inventive smart water bottles track liquidconsumption automatically, more accurately, and more conveniently.

Inventive smart water bottles offer a number of other advantages aswell. For instance, the external computing device can use informationabout the current weather and the user's physiology to estimate andprovide a recommendation for a targeted fluid intake amount or rate.Specifically, the external computing device determines the user'sapproximate geographic location, e.g., from Global Positioning System(GPS) or other location measurements, and queries a weather server forthe weather forecast at the user's geographic location. The externalcomputing device can then estimate a customized target fluid intakeamount or rate for the user based on the local weather (e.g.,temperature, humidity, etc.), other information about the user'sgeographic location (e.g., the altitude), the user's previous or desireddrinking habits, and/or previously entered or measured information aboutthe user's physiology. The external computing device may also adjust thetarget fluid intake amount or rate based on the user's activity level,which can be estimated from measurements of the user's heart rate, etc.

Another advantage of inventive smart water bottles is the ability tomake more accurate fluid level measurements at lower power consumptionrates. Intermittent liquid level measurements (e.g., using a capacitivesensor or Hall Effect sensor) use less power than the continuousmeasurements made by fluid flow meters. A liquid level measurement canalso be relatively accurate (e.g., to within 0.5 mL), depending in parton the shape and aspect ratio of the smart water bottle (e.g., wide andfat vs. tall and skinny). And by sensing when the bottle cap is removedand calculating differences in liquid level, the measurements are lesssensitive to changes in the absolute liquid level (e.g., due to filling,spilling, or pouring) when the cap is off.

An Exemplary Smart Water Bottle

FIGS. 1A-1E show a container assembly 100 that can be used as a smartwater bottle for tracking and prompting consumption of water or otherfluids. The container assembly 100 includes a fluid container 102 with aremovable cap assembly (lid) 104 is shown. The fluid container 102 canbe made out of any translucent or transparent material, including glassor plastic. The glass or plastic may be textured, patterned, coated,embossed, colored, etc. as known in the art.

The fluid container 102 defines a water-resistant cavity that can holdliquid, such as water, which can be poured or sucked out of thecontainer assembly 100 via a spout 105 in the removable cap assembly104. The removable cap assembly 104 may screw, snap, or otherwiseconnect or couple to the fluid container 102 so as the form a watertightseal that prevents the liquid from leaking out of the assembledcontainer assembly 100.

FIG. 1B shows a cross section of the container 100. The lid 104, whichis composed of at least, but not limited to, one piece, is secured tothe fluid container 102 and closed to prevent fluid from flowing out ofthe spout 105. An enclosure 124 containing an electronics assembly 134extends from lid 104 inside the container 100 and into a cavity formedin part by the container 102. The enclosure 125 is positioned so thatthe electronics assembly 134 may extend into, but is insulated from,liquid in the container 100. When the lid 104 is properly secured to thecontainer 102, the distal tip of the electronics assembly 134 is closeto a magnet 152, such as a permanent ceramic magnet or electromagnet,embedded in or affixed to the bottom of the container 102. A Hall effectsensor 150 at the distal tip of the electronics assembly 134 senses themagnet 152 as described in greater detail below to provide an indicationof whether the lid 104 is coupled to the container 102.

The electronics assembly 134 includes several electronic componentsmounted on a substrate 118, such as a piece of printed circuit board(PCB). These components include an antenna 114, a processor orcontroller 116 (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)), an accelerometer130, a proximity sensor 150, and one or more visual indicators 154. Theelectronics assembly 134 may also include or be coupled to a liquidlevel sensor 110 or flow rate sensor like those described in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 3-7.

The accelerometer 130 measures changes in the container'sthree-dimensional attitude and three-dimensional position. (Otherembodiments may use or include a gyroscope to sense the container'sposition or attitude.) These measurements can be used to estimate ordetermine the position of the container assembly 100. The accelerometer130 can also be positioned within or on the container 102 or the capassembly 104.

The accelerometer 130 is used to determine the angle and orientation ofthe container 100, which may have an effect on the liquid level assensed by the liquid level sensor 110. In an embodiment, theaccelerometer 130 is used to determine if the container 100 is upright.If it is upright, a measurement is taken, otherwise a measurement is nottaken. In another embodiment, the accelerometer 130 is used to determinean angle the container 100 forms with the ground, but the system onlyperforms the measurement and calculation of the effective liquid heightif the angle is within a specified range. Because the surface of thewater is parallel to the ground regardless of angle, trigonometry can beused to determine the height of the liquid measured by the sensor tocalculate the corresponding liquid height in the container 100 if thecontainer 100 were vertical. In an embodiment if the container is withina specified range of angles, the height of the liquid would becalculated without adjustment. Beyond that range the measurement mightnot be taken, or if it is taken, the liquid height could be adjusted tocompensate for the angle of the bottle during measurement.

The accelerometer 130 can be sampled by the processor 116 to retrievedata on a regular basis, e.g., every 2 seconds, to determine waterbottle attitude. The specific interval (e.g., 2 seconds) is based on abalance between power consumption and measurement accuracy, and toensure that a sufficient number of measurements are taken. For example,if a user pours in fluid into the bottle, and then drinks right away,the 2-second, for example can be sufficient to sample a measurement. Theprocessor 116 can also poll the accelerometer 130 at a predeterminedinterval determined by, for example, the user or a coach, or any thirdparty. The interval can be 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 1 minute, 3minutes, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4hours, 6 hours, and so on.

The interval may also change based on time of day, the user's schedule(possibly via synchronization with a calendar on the user's phone),and/or user preference or selection. For example, depending on theuser's schedule, the sampling interval can be synchronized according tothe user's desire. The interval can also be set to increase battery lifeor track activity level optimally. The interval can be automaticallytriggered to longer intervals if the battery on the smart bottle is low.

The proximity sensor or proximity switch 150 detects when the capassembly and the bottle are not coupled together. As explained withrespect to FIG. 2A, the proximity sensor or switch 150 can beimplemented as a Hall effect sensor or switch that detects a magnet 152in or near the bottom of the container 102. As readily appreciated byone skilled in the art, this proximity sensor or proximity switch 150could also be implemented using any one of a number of other types ofproximity sensors or proximity switches, including as an optical sensoror switch, for example, an ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) sensor.Such a sensor could detect light emitted by a UV or IR light sourceplaced in or near the bottom of the container 102. In these examples,the proximity sensor or switch 150 and the emitting source (e.g., magnet152 or light source) are paired together to provide cap sensingfunctionality.

The electronics assembly 134 also includes one or more visual indicators154. In an embodiment the visual indicator 154 could be one or morelight sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs could beone color or multiple colors and may positioned at different locationsin and on the container 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, for example, thevisual indicators 154 are LEDs disposed on the electronic assembly 134such that it roughly in the middle of the container 100. These visualindicators 154 can be used to provide visual reminders to the user todrink more as described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 8A-8F.

In operation, the processor 116 receives and processes information fromthe liquid level sensor 110 and the other electronic components withinthe water bottle 100. It stores this information in a memory (e.g., aninternal or external buffer) and uses this information to estimate thechange in the liquid level, the user's liquid consumption rate, and/orthe total amount of liquid consumption over a given period. Theprocessor 116's functions include collecting liquid level information orliquid flow data from the liquid level sensor 110, position andorientation data from the accelerometer 130, status of the cap (e.g.,attached or separated) relative to the container 100 from the proximitysensor 150, and information including location and weather settings viathe antenna 114 from an external device, such as a smartphone or atablet. Once the data and relevant information have been collected, theprocessor 116 can send the data via the antenna 114 to the externaldevice to report information, such as how much water the user has beendrinking or how much water has been consumed at certain intervals, anddetermine recommendations, such as how much water the user should bedrinking to meet the predetermined hydration target. In someembodiments, the processor 116 can determine the user's currentconsumption level or provide recommendations regarding the liquidconsumption without relying on computational resources from an externaldevice.

Depending on the electronic components, desired power consumption rate,battery level, etc., the data gathering by the processor 116 can takeplace periodically or can be triggered by certain events. For example,the processor 116 may poll the liquid level sensor 110 whenever itsenses a change in the bottle's attitude or acceleration from theaccelerometer 130, e.g., when the user tilts bottle. For example, theprocessor 116 may poll the accelerometer 130 intermittently (e.g., asdiscussed above with respect to the intervals for polling the liquidlevel sensor) and determine the orientation of the container assembly100 based on acceleration measurements.

If the processor 116 determines that the bottle is within apredetermined ranges of orientations (e.g., vertical, ±15° fromvertical, etc.), it polls the liquid level sensor and stores the changein the measurements in a buffer with the measurement time (e.g., timestamp). If there are no changes, the processor 116 may discard themeasured data to conserve memory. The processor 116 may also use theacceleration data to adjust, compensate, or calibrate the liquid levelmeasurement from the liquid level sensor 110.

The processor 116 can also compare hydration level during the day andthe progress can be compared on a daily or weekly basis. The liquidlevel sensor 110 can also send the liquid level information to theprocessor 116 periodically (e.g., every 15 minutes, every 30 minutes,every hour, every two hours, etc.) or if no user activation takes placefor a certain amount of time (e.g., 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.), which canbe predetermined by the user.

The processor 116 may discount or stop measurements when the proximitysensor 150 indicates that the cap assembly 104 is not coupled to thecontainer base 102. It may also poll the liquid level sensor 110immediately after the proximity sensor 150 indicates that the capassembly 104 has been coupled to the container base 102 in order todetermine a new baseline liquid level.

In some instances, the processor 116 can sample continuous data frompassive sensors. For example, when the accelerometer 130 measureschanges in the container's three-dimensional attitude orthree-dimensional position, it can report its position and/ororientation data to the microprocessor only when it detects motion. Italso is possible for the accelerometer 130 to report its dataperiodically, e.g., to reduce power consumption by the accelerometer130.

The processor 116 can share data with an external computing device, suchas a smartphone, via antenna 114. In some embodiments, the processor 116can also receive updates and/or instructions via antenna 114 from theexternal computing device. The transfer of measurements to the externalcomputing device can take place when the smart bottle 100 is within thecommunication range of the external computing device. This range canvary depending on the specific technology being used via the antenna 114and may range from inches to feet. When the smart bottle 100 is withinthe communication range of the external computing device, the externalcomputing device can communicate, for example, by asking (1) whether thebottle has glowed (provided a visual prompt/indication to the user) andif so when it last glowed, or the duration since the last glow, and (2)by receiving hydration level and progress from the smart bottle. If thebottle has not glowed within a predetermined period (e.g., 5 minutes, 10minutes, 15 minutes, etc., or a fraction of a preset interval between),then the external computing device commands the bottle 100 to glow toalert the user to drink more. By default, the smart bottle can beprogrammed to glow periodically no matter what. For example, the usercan set the smart bottle to glow every 2 hours.

When the processor 116 or external device determines the status of theuser's liquid consumption level, the processor 116 can use the LED 154to notify the user of his or her liquid consumption level. The processor116 can also use blinking LEDs (indicators 154) to let the user knowwhen or how often to drink from the container. Some of the possible waysthe processor 116 can display the notification include causing the LED154 to blink, pulsate, or light up (glow) based on determination(different colors, patterns, etc.). The processor 116 and/or theexternal device can prompt alerts comprising text displays, noise (e.g.,an audible beep), vibration, etc., using a display, vibrator, or speakeron the water bottle container 100 or the external device. In some cases,the processor 116 may cause an actuator to flip open the cap, e.g., toremind the user to drink more.

In some instances, the processor 116 can be set to prompt the user todrink at certain intervals or when the user does not follow thepredetermined hydration regime. In some instances, the processor 116conducts more measurements and sends or displays prompts to hydrate morefrequently if the processor 116 determines that the user should be morehydrated. The processor 116 can be pre-programmed to tailor sensing ofthe liquid level and displaying or alerting of notifications accordingto the time of day (e.g., during the day when the user is active or whenthe usually is asleep or at night regardless of what the user is doing).

In some embodiments, when the liquid level is low, the processor 116 candisplay a notification to refill the container 100 with liquid. Thisnotification can be a visual indication, audible indication, ormechanical vibration. This notification can be different from othernotifications where the user is prompted to follow the hydration regime.

FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E are cutaway views that show a latch mechanism 160,a spring or elastic band 180, and a hinge 190 for opening the lid 104and keeping the lid 104 closed. The hinge 190 connects an upper piece192 with a lower piece 194 of the lid 104. Closing the lid 104 (e.g., bypushing the upper piece 192 towards the lower piece 194 about an axisdefined by the hinge 190) places the spring or elastic band 180 intension and engages the latch mechanism 160, which keeps the spring 180in tension and the lid 104 closed. Actuating the latch mechanism 160releases the spring 180, causing the lid 104 to pop open. Morespecifically, FIGS. 1D and 1E show that pushing a button 161 towards thelongitudinal axis of the smart water bottle 100 engages another spring163, which in turn causes a latch 162 to disengage, releasing tension onthe spring or elastic band 180.

The Lid/Cap Assembly

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded view of the cap assembly (lid) 104 shownin FIGS. 1A-1E. In this embodiment, the liquid level cap assembly 104includes at least two pieces: a housing or capsule 124 and an upper capor lid 126, which can be screwed or otherwise affixed together toenclose a cavity 125 defined by the fluid container 102. The housing 124and upper cap 126 may be affixed by any number of fastening methods,including, by way of example only and not by way of limitation,threading, screws, nuts and bolts, glue, snap-fittings, welding, or thelike.

The inside of the cavity 125 formed by the housing 124 and the upper cap126 can include a power supply and/or some or all of the electronicsassembly 134. The housing 124 protects the electronics assembly 134without significantly impeding its ability to measure and processinformation about the liquid level.

Sensing Removal of the Smart Water Bottle Lid

FIG. 2A also shows the magnet 152 that can be affixed or coupled to thedistal tip of the housing 124. A Hall effect transducer (not shown) ator near the distal tip of the housing 124 produces an output voltagewhose amplitude varies in response to variations in applied magneticfield, including the field generated by the magnet 152. In other words,the Hall effect sensor can be used as a proximity sensor that senses thepermanent magnet 152 placed on or embedded in the bottom of thecontainer 102. (Alternatively, the magnet can be in the housing 124 andthe Hall effect sensor 152 may be in or on the container 102.) When theHall effect sensor 150 moves with respect to the permanent magnet 152,e.g., because the cap 104 is being screwed onto or unscrewed from thecontainer 102, the Hall effect sensor 150 produces a voltage signalrepresentative of the movement. This signal—along with a possible changein the liquid level—can be used to infer that the bottle is being filledwith or emptied of liquid.

Battery Enclosure

FIG. 2B is a view of a battery securement and insulation assembly 306for powering electronics in and coupled to the lid 104. The batterysecurement and insulation assembly 306 defines an enclosure that isinsulated (e.g., watertight and airtight) from both the interior of thelarger container and the rest of the electrical assembly. The entireassembly 306 can be formed of any number of pieces that define awatertight and airtight enclosure. In this case, a plug 304 separatesthe interior of the enclosure 306 into two volumes. In one volume, thebattery 300 is secured. Conductive material provides a connectionbetween the battery 300 and the electronic assembly 302 in the secondvolume without compromising the airtight seal formed by the plug 304between the two enclosing volumes. An electronic assembly 302 can beembedded inside the plug 304, with conductive material providing aconnection to the battery 300 without compromising the airtight seal.

Capacitive Liquid Level Sensors for Smart Water Bottles

FIG. 3 is a view of a capacitive liquid level sensor 300 suitable foruse with the container 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E and the cap assembly 104shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The capacitive level sensing system 300includes electrodes 310 a and 310 b (collectively, electrodes 310), eachof which extends along the length of the capacitive liquid level sensor300. Alternatively, the electrodes 310 could be formed as an array ofelectrodes spread along the length of the level sensing electricalsystem 300.

In one embodiment, the electrode structure 132 is isolated from theliquid inside the container by enclosing the electrode structure 132 ina barrier or housing 124, which insulates the electrode structure 132from a direct contact with liquid in the container 102. The barrier orhousing 124 can be a physical capsule providing an air tight cavity whencoupled with the upper cap 126 (FIG. 2A). Alternatively the barrier orhousing 124 can be a coating that seals the electronics assembly 134against the liquid. The capacitance measurement can be calibrated aroundthe collective capacitance provided by the combination of capacitancecomponents from the air, the electrode substrate, and plastic housing.

In some embodiments, the electrode structure 132 can be exposed toliquid to increase accuracy of the measurements. Exposing the electrodestructure 132 to liquid can decrease service life of the electrodes viadegradation processes, such as corrosion. The exposed electrodestructure 132 can also be harmful to the user if the corroded metal orpart is ingested.

As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 124 and liquid level sensor 300 arepositioned such that they run roughly along the longitudinal axis of thecontainer assembly 100 when the cap assembly 104 is screwed into thecontainer 102. As a result, the liquid level sensor 300 runs roughlythrough the centroid of the surface of the liquid inside the containerassembly 100, even if the container assembly 100 is tilted, so long asthe bottom of the container 102 is completely covered in liquid. If thecontainer 102 is rotationally symmetric its longitudinal axis, theliquid level sensor 300 should measure the liquid level accurately ifthe bottom of the container 102 is completely covered in liquid. Theexact ranges of angles over which this holds true depends on thedimensions of the container 102 and the amount of liquid inside thecontainer 102 (the emptier the container 102, the smaller the range ofangles).

In other examples, the housing 124 and liquid level sensor 300 may bepositioned so that run along an axis that is parallel to, skew to, orintersects with the longitudinal axis of the container 102. The housing124 and liquid level sensor 300 can also be integrated with thecontainer 102 or connect directly to the container 102 instead ofconnecting to the cap assembly 104. And in some cases, the liquid levelsensor 300 can be covered with a protective (waterproof) coating andinserted directly into the liquid instead of being enclosed in ahousing. Certain implementations of the liquid level sensor 300 can bein direct contact with the water.

In operation, the liquid level sensor 300 measures the capacitancebetween the electrodes 310. This capacitance depends on the liquidlevel: the capacitance increases roughly linearly as the liquid levelgoes up and decreases as the liquid level goes down. Initially, theliquid level sensor 300 can be calibrated for a particular liquid (e.g.,water) by measuring the capacitance between the electrodes 310 as afunction of liquid level for that liquid. This calibration routine canbe done for different liquids to correct for the types or properties ofthe different liquids. After repeated measurements, a correlation factor(or a multiplier) can be empirically determined for the entireelectrodes 310 or to specific regions of the electrodes 310. Theempirically determined correlation factor or multiplier from themeasurements can be then made to correct for different regions of thewater bottle. By using this approach, the liquid level inside the waterbottle can be more accurately determined in real life use.

Similarly, different regions of the water bottle can be repeatedcalibrated and the calibrated results from each of the regions can bereconstructed or combined to provide an overall calibration profile or“curve” to potentially correct for measurement discrepancies though theentire of range of liquid level inside the water bottle.

The processor 116 uses the capacitance changes measured by theelectrodes 310 due to the changes in the liquid level within thecontainer to estimate the user's liquid consumption. The measurement ofliquid level is enabled because the difference in capacitance values canbe correlated to the difference in liquid volumes, e.g., in fluid ouncesor milliliters. The processor 116 can also perform a correlation betweenpercentage of filled volume and absolute volume, and the processor 116then transmits, to the external software application, the data in fluidounces or milliliters.

Hall Effect Liquid Level Sensors for Smart Water Bottles

FIG. 4 shows a Hall effect liquid level sensor 400 suitable for use withthe container 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E and the cap assembly 104 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. The Hall effect liquid level sensing system 400includes an array of Hall effect sensors 410 a, 410 b and 410 c(collectively, sensors 410) mounted as an array spread along the lengthof the level sensing electrical system 400, as shown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the sensors 410 can be isolated from the liquidinside the container by enclosing or sealing the sensors 410 in abarrier or housing 124, which insulates the electrical system 400 from adirect contact with liquid in the container 102. The barrier or housing124 can be a physical capsule providing an air tight cavity when coupledwith the upper cap 126 as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively the barrier orhousing 124 can be a coating that seals the electronics assembly 400against the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 124 and liquid level sensor 400 arepositioned such that they run roughly along the length (longitudinalaxis) of the container assembly 100 when the cap assembly 104 is screwedinto the container 102. As a result, the Hall effect liquid level sensor400 runs roughly through the centroid of the surface of the liquidinside the container assembly 100, even if the container assembly 100 istilted, so long as the bottom of the container 102 is completely coveredin liquid. If the container 102 is rotationally symmetric itslongitudinal axis, the liquid level sensor 400 can still measure theliquid level accurately if the bottom of the container 102 is completelycovered in liquid. The exact ranges of angles over which this holds truedepends on the dimensions of the container 102 and the amount of liquidinside the container 102 (the emptier the container 102, the smaller therange of angles).

In other embodiments, the housing 124 and liquid level sensor 400 may bepositioned so that they run along an axis that is parallel to, skew to,or intersects with the longitudinal axis of the container 102. Thehousing 124 and liquid level sensor 400 can also be integrated with thecontainer 102 or connect directly to the container 102 instead ofconnecting to the cap assembly 104. And in some cases, the liquid levelsensor 400 can be covered with a protective (waterproof) coating andinserted directly into the liquid instead of being enclosed in a housing124. In some embodiments, the liquid level sensor 400 can be in directcontact with the water.

In operation, the liquid level sensor 400 measures the location of thefloat 420 by measuring the magnetic flux variations detected by the Halleffect sensors 410. For example, if the liquid level is between sensors410 a and 410 b, as the liquid level decreases due to consumption by theuser, the float 420 moves down from the location of sensor 410 a to thelocation of sensor 410 b. The magnetic flux measured by the sensor 410 aand the magnetic fluxes measured by the sensors 410 a and 410 b willchange by amounts corresponding to the distances between the float 420and the sensors 410 a and 410 b. These changes in the magnetic fluxesmeasured by the adjacent sensors can provide the location of the float420, which corresponds to the location of the top surface of the liquidinside the container 100. By using the relative magnetic flux values,the liquid level can be measured as the liquid level increases ordecreases.

The processor 116 can then use the magnetic flux variations measured bythe sensors 310 to estimate the user's liquid consumption. Themeasurement of liquid level is enabled because the difference in themagnetic flux values can be correlated to the difference in liquidvolumes, e.g., in fluid ounces or milliliters. The processor 116 canalso perform a correlation between percentage of filled volume andabsolute liquid volume, which the processor 116 can then transmit thedata in fluid ounces or milliliters to the external software applicationor device.

Liquid Flow Meters for Smart Water Bottles

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an alternative removable cap assembly 504of the container assembly 100 with a fluid-flow sensing system 500. FIG.5B is a top view of the interior of the removable cap assembly 504 withcontained electronic components. In this embodiment, the removable capassembly 504 is composed of at least, but not limited to, two pieces, anupper cap or lid 510 and a fluid-flow sensor housing 512 that arecoupled together to create a hollow, water-resistant cavity. The uppercap 510 and the fluid-flow sensor housing 512 may be coupled by anynumber of fastening methods, including, by way of example only and notby way of limitation, threading, screws, nuts and bolts, glue,snap-fittings, welding, or the like.

In an embodiment, the cap assembly 504 with a fluid-flow sensing systemfeatures a small through-hole 530 that runs through the interior of thecontainer 100 (not shown) to the exterior of the removable cap assembly504 to increase the rate and improve the quality of liquid flow byproviding an additional channel for air to enter the container 100. Theinside cavity formed by the upper cap 510 and the fluid-flow sensorhousing 512 may include a power supply 506 and a fluid-flow sensingsystem 500 for measuring liquid flow. The fluid-flow sensing system 500contains a sensor assembly, shown in FIG. 5C, capable of determining therate of liquid flow out of the container, a power source, and a systemfor wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving data (e.g., using theBluetooth protocols).

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the fluid-flow sensing system 108containing the sensor assembly for detecting liquid flow, according toan embodiment. In an embodiment, there are four components to thefluid-flow sensing system 108. The first component is a communicationdevice such as an antenna 114 for the wireless transmission andreception of data (e.g., using the Bluetooth protocols). The secondcomponent is a microcontroller unit (MCU) 516 to process the levelsensing information before transmission. The third component is aproximity sensor or switch 518. The fourth component is an impeller 520.In an embodiment, the impeller 520 features an emitting source 522affixed to, embedded in, or otherwise synchronized in rotation with theimpeller 520.

In this embodiment, the flow rate of a fluid leaving the container canbe determined. The rotation of the impeller 520 and the resultingrotation of the emitting source 522 results in the proximity sensor orswitch 518 generating a signal. This signal transmitted via thecommunication device 514 to a software application on an externaldevice. In an embodiment, an integer corresponding to the number ofrotations of the impeller is transmitted to the external softwareapplication, which correlates the number of rotations with the flowrate. In an embodiment, the flow rate is expressed in milliliters orfluid ounces over any unit of time. In an embodiment, themicrocontroller 516 performs the correlation and transmits the flow rateto the external software application. The data from the microcontroller516 is transmitted to and from software applications on external devicesincluding, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops,smartwatches, and other types of computers.

Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensors for Smart Water Bottles

FIG. 6 shows an ultrasonic sensor system 600 that measures the fluid(e.g., water) level within the container by sensing an ultrasonic wave601 that reflects off or is transmitted through the surface of thefluid. In this case, the sensor system 600 includes a transducer 606 inor on the cap 104 and a sensor 604 in or on the bottom of the container100. In operation, the transducer 606 generates the ultrasonic wave 601,which propagates through liquid 11 in the container 100 to the sensor604. In response to detecting the ultrasonic wave 601, the sensor 604produces a signal that varies in a way that can be correlated to liquidlevel.

Infrared Liquid Level Sensors for Smart Water Bottles

FIG. 7 shows an infrared (IR) liquid level sensor 700 that includesseveral infrared light source 704 a-704 c (collectively, IR lightsources 704) and several corresponding infrared light receivers 706a-706 c (collectively, IR light receivers 706). Each infrared lightsource 704 is placed opposite the corresponding infrared light receiver706 and perpendicular to the surface of the liquid 11 when the container100 is in an upright orientation. In operation, each IR light source 704emits a continuous-wave or pulsed beam of infrared light 701 towards thecorresponding IR receiver 706. As the liquid level varies, themeasurements taken by the receivers 706 vary in a way that can becorrelated to liquid level. These measurements can be correlated withangle/orientation measurements made by the accelerometer 130 to estimatethe amount of fluid in the container and/or the change in fluid levelover time (e.g., since the last measurement).

Visual Feedback Via a Smart Water Bottle

FIGS. 8A-8F are illustrations of exemplary visual notifications thesmart water bottle 100 can provide to let the user know of the status ofthe user's hydration level. The visual notification can be used toprompt or remind the user to drink from the smart water bottle, torefill the smart water bottle, to replace the battery, to stop drinking,etc. The visual notifications may also indicate the status of a wirelesscommunication link or data transfer between the smart water bottle and asmartphone or other electronic device. Among many possible locations onthe smart water bottle, the visual notifications can be displayed withLEDs and/or other light sources mounted in or on the side of the smartwater bottle, on the top of the smart water bottle cap, on the latchmechanism, and/or throughout the entire bottle to inform the user of hisor her hydration status, hydration goal, etc. If the smart water bottleis translucent and the LEDs are inside the smart water bottle, thevisual indication may appear as a soft “glow” that may pulsate one ormore times.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, a blinking light 802 (provided, for example,a single blinking indicator 154) in the middle of the water bottle 100can be used as a notification for the user to drink more water to staywithin the programmed hydration level. The position of the blinkinglight 802 within the water bottle 100 may include a target consumptionvolume or level (e.g., “drink until the water level is even with thelight”). In other embodiments, the indicators 154 may be used to displaya particular volume of liquid to be consumed. Likewise, the blinkingrate or LED color may indicate a target liquid consumption rate, withfaster blinking corresponding to a higher target rate.

Lighting up an array of LEDs 154 causes the smart water bottle 100 toemit a “glow” 804 as shown in FIG. 8B. This may indicate that the userneeds to refill the water bottle 100. In some notification schemes, oneor more of the indicators 154 can be used to display a gradient in theintensity—a gradient glow—indicative of the user's estimated hydrationlevel. For example, some or all of the indicators 154 that are mountedalong the electrical system can be used to indicate any variety ofmetrics (i.e., to show the degree of lagging with respect to a givenhydration target). In other notification schemes, a plurality of theindicators 154 may be used to indicate that the user has not consumedliquid from the bottle for a specify amount of time, and thus may notmeet the hydration target.

FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D illustrate how LEDs in or on the cap 104 of thesmart water bottle 100 may provide a glowing a symbol 806, e.g., toindicate that the user needs to drink or that the smart water bottle 100is communicating with a smartphone or other wireless device. The glowingsymbol may also be located on the latch 160 as shown in FIG. 8E. Again,the color and/or intensity may vary to provide different messages (e.g.,steady illumination may indicate a connection, fast blinking mayindicate data transfer, slow blinking may indicate a firmware upgrade,etc.). The cap 104 may have different symbols to indicate differentstatus conditions (e.g., recharge battery, refill container, downloadhydration targets or weather data, upload liquid consumption data). Andin some cases, the entire water bottle 100 may glow as shown in FIG. 8F.

In some embodiments, the user can manually activate the indicators 154to glow to show the progress towards a completed liquid consumptiongoal. The indicators 154 can ask be automatically activated when theliquid level has not changed for a predetermined period, notifying theuser that the current hydration level for water consumption is notadequate and that more water consumption maybe required to stay ontarget.

Smart Water Bottle Systems and Apps

FIG. 9A shows a schematic illustration of a system including a smartwater bottle 100 disclosed above. Besides the smart water bottle 100,the system also includes one or more of the computing devices 985, suchas smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or computers, which may becoupled to other computing devices via a computer network 990, such asthe Internet. A user 905 may interact with the smart water bottle 100and other device(s) 985 as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 9A shows the water bottle 100 and electronic components within thewater bottle 100. The various components in the drink container 100include a processor 116, one or more liquid level sensors 110, anantenna 114 for outside communication, one or more indicators 154 (e.g.,LEDs), a memory unit 942, a battery unit 944, and optionally a userinput 950. Since the various electronic and sensing components withinthe water bottle have been described in full detail with reference toFIGS. 1-7.

The smart water bottle 100 can send data to and receive data andinstructions from the (portable) computing device 985 via as a localarea network, like a Wi-Fi network, a hotspot, a personal network orcurated company network, or a wide area network, like the Internet(world wide web). In turn, the computing device 985 can communicate viaa wide-area network 990 with various dedicated web servers 988,including but not limited to a weather server 992 and a map or locationserver 994. The computing device 985 may also receive positioninformation directly from a positioning system 995, such as the GlobalPositioning System (GPS) or the Global Navigation Satellite System(GLONASS). In alternative embodiments, the smart water bottle 100 maycommunicate with the weather server 992, map server 994, and/or GPS 995directly or via the network 990 in addition to or instead ofcommunicating with them via the computing unit 985.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating the connections between internalcomponents of the external computing device 985, which is connected toone or more servers 988 via a network 990. The external computing device985 can be located in the residence or place of business of the user905. The external computing device 985 can be a mobile device, such as asmart phone, tablet, smart watch, or other mobile devices. The externalcomputing device 985 can be a stand-alone computing device or anetworked computing device that communicates with one or more othercomputing devices or dedicated servers 988 across the network 990. Theadditional computing device(s) or server 988 can be located remotelyaway from the external computing device 985, but all are configured fordata communication across the network 988.

Both the external computing device 985 and the server 988 can include atleast one processor or processing unit 908 and a system memory 912. Theprocessor 908 is a device configured to process a set of instructions.The system memory 912 may be a component of processor 908 or separatefrom the processor 908. Depending on the exact configuration and type ofcomputing device, the system memory 912 may be volatile (such as RandomAccess Memory), non-volatile (such as Read-Only Memory, flash memory,etc.) or some combination of the two. System memory 912 typicallyincludes an operating system 918 suitable for controlling the operationof the external computing device 985. The system memory 912 may alsoinclude one or more software applications 914 and may include programdata 916.

The external computing device 985 can include additional features orfunctionality, including attaching to additional data storage devices910 (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Computer storage media 910 may includevolatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin any method or technology for storage of information, such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.System memory, removable storage, and non-removable storage are allexamples of computer storage media. Computer storage media 910 caninclude, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe computing device 902. An example of computer storage media 910 isnon-transitory media.

In some embodiments, the external computing device 985 can be a personalcomputing device that is networked to allow the user to access andutilize the hydration system disclosed herein from a remote location,such as in a user's home, office or other location. In some embodimentsof the external computing device 985, system operations and functionsare stored as data instructions for a smart phone application. A network990 can facilitate communication between the external computing device985 and one or more servers 988. The network 990 may be a wide-areanetwork, such as the Internet, a local-area network, a metropolitan-areanetwork, or another type of electronic communication network. Thenetwork 990 may include wired and/or wireless data links. A variety ofcommunications protocols may be used in the network 990 including, butnot limited to, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Transport Control Protocol (TCP),Internet Protocol (IP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), SOAP, remoteprocedure call protocols, and/or other types of communicationsprotocols.

In some examples, the additional computing device 988 is a dedicated webserver as described above. In this example, the external computingdevice 985 can use an internet browser to communicate with the webserver 988 to request and retrieve data. The data is then displayed tothe user 905, such as by using a browser application. In someembodiments, the additional computing device 988 can be a cloud serverconfigured to store in memory instructions for implementing the variousoperations, methods and functions disclosed herein. In such embodiments,the external computing device 985 may communicate with the computingdevice 988 to provide and/or receive data, instructions, etc., via, forexample, the network 990. In some embodiments, the various operations,methods, and functions disclosed herein are implemented by instructionsstored in memory. When the instructions are executed by the processor908 of the one or more computing devices 985 or 988, the instructionscause the processor 908 to perform one or more of the operations ormethods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments of the utilization scheme, the user 905 of the waterbottle 100 can use an external computing device 985 for communicatingwith and for managing the utilization of the water bottle 100 via anapplication installed and executing on the portable computing device985; some exemplary features of a mobile application that can be usedfor such purposes are presented below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C.In some embodiments, data from the water bottle 100 (e.g., datacollected from sensors onboard the water bottle 100) may be transferredto the portable computing device 985 via a network 990. In someembodiments, the network 990 may be bidirectional, i.e., the network mayalso be used by the portable computing device 985 to transmit data,instructions, etc., to the water bottle 100. For example, input datafrom the user 905 and/or data/instructions generated by the portablecomputing device 985 may be transmitted to the water bottle 100 for usein calculating, regulating, informing, etc., hydration level of the user905. In some embodiments, the communication between the water bottle 100and the portable computing device 985 may be routed via a network 990 toa cloud server or a web server.

In some embodiments, the portable computing device 985 may communicatewith another computing device 988 via a network 990. The computingdevice 988 may be a server capable of processing the data transmitted toand from the portable computing device 985 (and/or, optionally, from thewater bottle 100). For example, the computing device 988 may be a cloudserver hosting computing devices with memory and processors to store andprocess, respectively, the received data to generate additionaldata/instructions for use in maintaining and determining hydration levelof the user 905. It can also be configured to communicate with a weatherserver 992 that provides weather information for computing a targethydration level. In some embodiments, the computing device 988 can beconfigured as a standalone web server to receive, retrieve, processand/or generate data for similar purposes.

In some embodiments, the portable computing device 985 may communicatewith another computing device 920 via a network 990. The computingdevice 920 may be a portable computing device 920 which may be access byanother person 925, such as a coach, a fitness trainer, a healthcareprofessional or insurance personnel or anyone who would utilize thehydration data or to interact with the user's wellbeing. The computingdevice 920 can be any computing devices with memory and processors tostore and process, respectively, the received data to generateadditional data/instructions for use in working with, maintaining anddetermining the hydration level of the user 905. It can also be used todirectly communicate with the external computing device 985. It can alsobe configured to communicate with a weather server 992 that providesweather information for computing a target hydration level.

Using the Smart Water Bottle to Track Water Consumption

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a graphical user interface (GUI) 140 for theportable computing device 985. As shown in FIG. 10A, the GUI 140includes several different tabs. Tab 141 a links to “friends” and theirwater usage consumption, tab 141 b links to the user's usage levels, tab141 c links to current progress (as displayed in FIG. 10A), tab 141 dlinks to information about the owner, and tab 141 e links to anotification page that allows the user to change his or her waterconsumption goal (e.g., for the user to add water manually). The GUI 140also displays progress over the course of a week as indicated by dayicons 141 f The screen as shown in FIG. 10A is the primary screen toshow the hydration progress. The GUI 140 also has additional pages asshown by the 3 dots indicating pages 148 near the bottom of the GUI. Byswiping left to right or right to left, the pages 148 can show differentaspects of the GUI 140.

FIG. 10A shows the GUI 140 display for tab 141 c. In this tab, the GUI140 shows a dynamic progress level graphic 142 that represents theamount of liquid consumed over a time period as a percentage of therecommended amount over that time period for different users. Thecircles with photos and initials 142 u 1, 142 u 2, and 142 u 3 representthe relative progress of the user and his or her “friends” towards theirdaily goals. Within the progress level graphic 142, the consumed level144 a is shown out of the recommended target level. For example, thecurrent progress level of the user is 13 of 68 oz. consumed. Theprogress level graphic 142 also shows a target consumption level 145based on the time of day and total consumption level.

The recommended target amount is calculated from various data about theuser, including but not limited to: the user's physiology, includingage, height, weight, and gender; the user's activity level; the user'sglobal location and the ambient temperature and humidity at thatlocation. The user's global location can be determined using theexternal device's GPS location data and data from the weather server. Inan embodiment, the location information is used in conjunction with aWeather API to determine the real-time, current ambient temperature andhumidity at that location. In an embodiment, the third source of datacould be approximated by coupling the system with a weather predictionsystem or application for a period such that the liquid consumptionrequirements for the period could be estimated. In this embodimentliquid consumption requirements could be dynamic adjusting as the usermoves locations or as the weather predictions become concretemeasurements.

Another feature of the GUI 140 is a level status 146 a, 146 b and 146 cof the amount of liquid that the user is recommended to consume, in thiscase expressed in terms of the complete volume of the container 100. Forexample, the status 146 a shows the current level of progress as thepercentage of the goal. The status 146 b shows the amount of liquidrecommended to consume in terms of bottles of water. The status 146 cshows the consecutive days the user has maintained a desired hydrationlevel.

FIG. 10B shows the GUI 140 under tab 141 a. Here, the GUI 140 showsinformation about several of the user's “friends” who are in a networkfor sharing hydration data. Friends can be added using add button 149 aand added friends can be removed by using remove button 149 b. Thehydration level or the accomplishments over a certain period of theuser's friends can be ranked by pressing a “7-Day Rank” button 149 c toshow the relative progress of the people in the network. Otherwise, thehydration level of the user's friends can be shown alphabetically bypressing an “A-Z” button 149 d to show the relative progress of all thepeople in the network.

FIG. 10C shows the “Add Water” screen available under tab 141 c. The GUI140 shows and allows the user to add a variable amount of water towardsthe user's daily tracked progress. In some embodiments, the GUI 140 mayallow updating the user's recorded liquid intake, in case the userdrinks liquid from sources other than the container 100, and which,therefore, cannot be directly recorded. Here, the indicator 144 b showsthe added amount of liquid as 13 oz.

Using the Smart Water Bottle to Track Water Consumption

A method or a process of using the smart water bottle is described asfollows. In this exemplary process, the first step is to install themobile application (depicted in FIGS. 10A-10C) on the user's mobiledevice 985, such as the user's smartphone. Once the application isinstalled, the user can then connect the application on the smartphone985 to the smart water bottle 100. The user can then input appropriateparameters for the user, including the user's height, weight, medicalinformation (e.g., medical history, allergies, and current medications),etc., so that the application can provide an estimated hydration goal.The user can also be provided with options to set his or her ownhydration goal or to accept a recommended hydration goal based on his orher physiological data, activity level, and location.

The user can also set his or her notification preferences for meeting(or failing to meet) the hydration goal, e.g., by selecting or settingindications comprising illumination of the visual indicators 154 in aparticular color, pulsation pattern, blinking rate, etc., or by creatingdistinct audible beeps or a vibration pattern to be delivered via theapp 140/smart phone 985. Once the settings have been verified, the usercan start filling the smart bottle with water and begin drinking as heor she normally would.

If the user is on target within the estimated hydration goal, the smartwater bottle 100 may let the user know that he or she is on target bydisplaying a visual indication 1 (e.g., a particular pattern of flashesfrom the visual indicators 154). Alternatively, the smart bottle canalso be set up in a way that if the user is on target with his or herhydration plan, no indication is set to display, or no alert isdelivered to the user. If the user is lagging behind his or herhydration program, another indicator (e.g., indication 2, with adifferent pattern of output(s) from the visual indicator 154) can beused to notify the user. If the user is too far behind his or herhydration program, a third type of indication can be displayed to notifythe user that he or she is too far behind her hydration level and thathe or she should catch up in a more urgent fashion. This type ofindicator can be indication 3, which can be similar to any notificationtypes or forms as described for indication 2, but with more intensity.For example, the third type of indication can be blinking LEDs withhigher frequency than those of indication 2 or audible beeps that arelouder than those of indication 2. In some embodiments, the third typeof indication can also be distinct from those notification LEDs, audiblebeeps or vibrations of indication 2. When water is fully consumed fromthe water bottle, a distinct notification can be used to notify the userto refill the bottle with water.

As use progresses, the smart water bottle 100 may transfer some or allof the collected hydration data to the smartphone application. Thetransfer can take place at any time of the day, but the user can set upa specific time or specific times at which the transfer to take place.For example, the user can set up to transfer hydration data at nightwhen the hydration activities have been reduced so the transferactivities do not interfere with the various hydration measurements,such as liquid level measurements, or when the cap is opened, etc. Thesmart water bottle 100 may also transfer data automatically whenever thesmart phone is within a given range and/or whenever queried by the smartphone.

Once the hydration data has been transferred to the application on theuser's smartphone, the hydration data can be shared with otherapplication or other users, including, for example, a fitness coach orhealthcare professional, or on social media, such as via Facebook orTwitter. One of the benefits that the user can achieve by sharinghydration data is that the user can receive feedback via the app 140 onhis or her hydration regime, which may help him or her with adjusting ormodifying his or her goals based on those feedbacks. For example, asports coach may monitor the data from an entire team, or a nurse maymonitor the data of patients in their care.

The hydration data sharing can also benefit the community of fellowparticipants by building a database of hydration activities for everyonewho participates or anyone with potential interest. The database canbenefit any user who participates by providing complex hydrationactivities based on location of users, weather patterns, or theindividual participant's activity level. In some embodiments, the usercan be ranked according to the user's hydration level amongst theparticipants. The rankings of participants can be published in thedatabase and/or displayed with the app 140. The rankings can serve as anincentive for the users to reach their hydration goals. In someembodiments, the users may be able to communicate with other users viathe app 140 or social media so as to encourage or to motivate fellowparticipants, or perhaps to create a fun or competitive atmosphere.

Using the data input and/or gathered, in some embodiments, the processorand/or the external device may establish tailored recommended fluidconsumption goals for the user. As the input information can be timedependent, the recommended goals can also be dynamic. The fluidconsumption goals may include amount of fluid to be consumed, the rateof consumption, types of fluid to be consumed (e.g., nutrient levels,fluid temperature, etc.), and/or the like. In some embodiments, theprocessor and/or the external device, based on measurements taken by thevarious aforementioned sensors on the fluid container assembly, mayevaluate whether the fluid inside the base container is configured tomeet the recommended goals, and notify the user of the results of theevaluation. Further, after the recommended amount of time for the fluidconsumption has passed and/or at a time chosen by the user, theprocessor and/or the external server may compare the recommended goalsto the user's accomplishments.

CONCLUSION

Conventional terms in the fields of computer networking and computersystems have been used herein. The terms are known in the art and areprovided only as a non-limiting example for convenience purposes.Accordingly, the interpretation of the corresponding terms in theclaims, unless stated otherwise, is not limited to any particulardefinition. Thus, the terms used in the claims should be given theirbroadest reasonable interpretation.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, thisapplication is intended to cover any adaptations or variations.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that may bepracticed. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.”Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown ordescribed. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples inwhich only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, thepresent inventors also contemplate examples using any combination orpermutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspectsthereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or moreaspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) shown or described herein.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listedafter such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scopeof that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein may be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples may include a machine-readable medium ormachine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configurean electronic device to perform methods as described in the aboveexamples. An implementation of such methods may include code, such asmicrocode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or thelike. Such code may include machine-readable instructions for performingvarious methods. The code may form portions of computer programproducts. Further, in an example, the code may be tangibly stored on oneor more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblemachine-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible machine-readable media may include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read-onlymemories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments may be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure and is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims.

In this Detailed Description, various features may have been groupedtogether to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted asintending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim.Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of aparticular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the embodiments should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A container assembly comprising: a container defining a cavity tohold a liquid; a liquid level sensor, disposed in the cavity, to measurea level of the liquid in the cavity; a processor, operably coupled tothe liquid level sensor, to poll the liquid level sensor for ameasurement of the level of the liquid in the cavity and to estimate achange in the level of the liquid in the cavity based on the measurementof the level of the liquid in the cavity; a visual indicator, operablycoupled to the processor and disposed within the cavity, to provide avisual indication prompting a user to drink from the container; and anantenna, operably coupled to the processor, to transmit an indication ofthe change in the level of the liquid in the cavity to a wirelessdevice.
 2. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising: anaccelerometer, mechanically coupled to the container and operablycoupled to the processor, to intermittently measure an acceleration ofthe container.
 3. The container assembly of claim 2, wherein theprocessor is configured to poll the accelerometer intermittently and topoll the liquid level sensor if data from the accelerometer indicatesthat the container is vertically oriented.
 4. The container assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the change inthe level of the liquid in the cavity based on data from theaccelerometer.
 6. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is configured to cause the visual indicator to provide thevisual indication in response to a command received from the wirelessdevice via the antenna.
 7. The container assembly of claim 6, whereinthe command received from the wireless device via the antenna is basedin part on a time since a last visual indication provided by the visualindicator.
 8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein: the antenna isconfigured to receive an indication of a target change in the level ofthe liquid in the cavity from the wireless device, and the processor isconfigured to compare the change in the level of the liquid in thecavity to the target change in the level of the liquid in the cavity andto cause the visual indicator to provide the visual indication if thechange in the level of the liquid in the cavity is less than the targetchange in the level of the liquid in the cavity
 9. The containerassembly of claim 8, wherein the target change in the level of theliquid in the cavity is based on at least one of an age of a user, aheight of the user, a weight of the user, an activity level of the user,a location of the user, an ambient temperature, and an ambient humidity.10. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the visual indicatorcomprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED) disposed along asubstrate extending into the cavity.
 11. The container assembly of claim10, wherein the at least one LED is configured to provide the visualindication by emitting light on a periodic basis.
 12. The containerassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a cap to keep the liquid withinthe cavity; and a cap sensor, operably coupled to the processor, tosense if the cap is coupled to the container, wherein the processor isconfigured to poll the liquid level sensor if the cap sensor indicatesthat the cap is coupled to the container.
 13. A method of trackingconsumption, by a user, of a liquid disposed within a container, themethod comprising: (A) measuring, with an accelerometer mechanicallycoupled to the container, an acceleration of the container; (B)estimating, with a processor operably coupled to the accelerometer, anorientation of the container based on the acceleration; (C) determiningif the orientation is within a predefined range of orientations; (D) ifthe orientation is within the predefined range of orientations,measuring, with a liquid level sensor operably coupled to the processor,a level of the liquid in the container; (E) estimating a change in thelevel of the liquid in the cavity based on the level of the liquid inthe cavity; and (F) transmitting, via an antenna operably coupled to theprocessor, an indication of the change in the level of the liquid in thecontainer to a wireless device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: (C)comprises determining if the container is vertically oriented, and (D)comprises measuring the level of the liquid if the container isvertically oriented.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein estimating thechange in the level of the liquid in (E) comprises estimating the changein the level of the liquid based the orientation of the containerestimated in (B).
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:performing steps (A) through (E) at periodic intervals.
 17. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: sensing, with a cap sensor operablycoupled to the processor, if a cap is coupled to the container, andwherein (D) comprising measuring the level of the liquid if the capsensor indicates that the cap is coupled to the container.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: emitting light from a lightsource operably coupled to the light source and disposed in thecontainer, the light prompting the user to drink the liquid in thecontainer.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein emitting the light fromthe light source comprises emitting the light at periodic intervals. 21.The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving a command, via theantenna, to emit light from the light source, wherein the command isbased on a comparison of the change estimated in (E) to a target changein the level of the liquid.
 22. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: receiving, via the antenna, an indication of a target changein the level of the liquid, and comparing, with the processor, thechange in the level of the liquid in the cavity to the target change inthe level of the liquid.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:providing a visual indication to the user, with a light source disposedin or on the container, if the change in the level of the liquid is lessthan the target change in the level of the liquid,
 24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the target change in the level of the liquid in thecavity is based on at least one of an age of a user, a height of theuser, a weight of the user, an activity level of the user, a location ofthe user, an ambient temperature, and an ambient humidity.
 25. Acontainer assembly comprising: a translucent container to hold a liquid;a substrate extending at least partway into the liquid; a liquid levelsensor, disposed on the substrate, to measure a level of the liquid; anaccelerometer, mechanically coupled to the translucent container, tomeasure an acceleration of the translucent container; a processor,operably coupled to the accelerometer and the liquid level sensor, to(i) periodically determine an orientation of the translucent containerbased on acceleration measured by the accelerometer and (ii)periodically determine a change in the level of the liquid in the cavitybased on the level of the liquid measured by the liquid level sensor andthe orientation of the translucent container; an antenna, operablycoupled to the processor, to transmit the change in the level of theliquid to a wireless device; and a light source, disposed on thesubstrate and operably coupled to the processor, to emit light (i) atperiodic intervals and (ii) in response to a command received from thewireless device via the antenna, wherein the command is based on (i) acomparison of the change in the level of the liquid and a desired changein the level of the liquid and (ii) a time since a last emission oflight from the light source.
 26. A fluid consumption monitoring systemcomprising: a housing configured to couple with a beverage container; asensor coupled with said housing or that extends into said beveragecontainer; a wireless communication interface coupled with the housing;a memory coupled with the housing; and a processor coupled with thememory and the wireless communication interface and situated in thehousing and configured to: receive sensor data from the sensor;calculate at least one of an amount of fluid inside of, dispensed from,and/or added to the beverage container from the sensor data; store arepresentation of the amount of fluid in said memory; and transmit therepresentation to an external device when a wireless communicationchannel is available to the external device.